CNS - The Los Angeles City Council has adopted a resolution calling for an end to the war in Iraq, making it the largest city in the nation to make such a call.

“Today (Oct. 16) the city of Los Angeles is sending a message loud and clear—end the war in Iraq,” Councilman Bill Rosendahl said, drawing cheers from an anti-war audience packing the council chamber.

“We are calling for an immediate and complete withdrawal of United States military personnel from Iraq,” said Rosendahl, who introduced the resolution. “We have lost too many of our young men and women to this illegal and unjust war.”

The resolution passed on a 12-2 vote, with Dennis Zine and Greig Smith dissenting. Councilman Jose Huizar was not present for the vote.

“I don’t think any of us are advocates of war, but at the same time, what I look at is freedom and independence, and I think that we need to recognize for this country to take a stand for freedom and independence, there’s a price we pay for freedom and independence every day,” Zine said.

“... I can’t support this position today. I’m not saying I support the war. What I’m saying is I cannot support this position.”

Rosendahl said that among the more than 3,500 members of the military who have died in Iraq, 409 came from California, including 115 from the Los Angeles area and 25 from the city.

“Supporting our troops does not mean keeping them in Iraq,” he said. “Supporting our troops means taking them out of this war and bringing them home.”

Rosendahl said the expense of fighting the war has meant that more than $4.5 billion in tax revenues have been diverted from Los Angeles.

“This war has diverted funds that could be used for important domestic needs that would improve the quality of life for Los Angeles residents,” he said.